Art of War featuring GZA

When: Sat., Aug. 19, 4 p.m.-2 a.m. 2017

If there were any appropriate time to use the “air siren” sound DJs use almost ironically through their sets, it would be now. GZA of the legendary Wu-Tang Clan is slated for an appearance at Paper Tiger and we’re more than just a little excited about it. Back in 2015, a survey was done analyzing who had the most extensive vocabulary in hip-hop. Though, he didn’t come in first, Wu-Tang Clan’s GZA, AKA “The Genius,” snagged an honorable second place to the weirdo indie rapper Aesop Rock, a pretty notable feat considering Aesop probably gets off on reading dictionaries. Let’s circle back to GZA. What sets this particular Clan member apart from most rappers, especially those from the “gangsta rap” era, are the truly unique references in his lyrics, like on the 1995 track “Duel Of The Iron Mic”: “Picture bloodbaths and elevator shafts/ like these
murderous rhymes tight from genuine craft/ check the print, it’s where veterans spark the letterings/ slow moving mc’s is waitin’ for the editin’/ the liquid soluble that made up the
chemistry/ a gaseous element that burned down your ministry.” The Wu-Tang member is appearing as part of the Art of War 2017, which also includes 2 on 2 Bboy/Bgirl battle for $1,000 cash prize, Track Battles (emcees) for $500, Beat Alert (producers battle) for $500 and live aerosol art by guest graffiti artists. With Lotus Tribe.